Chester in box seat - Hudgell

7th July 2014

Hull KR caretaker boss Chris Chester is in pole position to keep the head coaching job after club chairman Neil Hudgell said he would not be actively looking elsewhere for Craig Sandercock's successor.

The 35-year-old Chester took charge of the Robins for the first time yesterday following the sacking of Sandercock and made an ideal start with a 40-10 win over First Utility Super League leaders St Helens.

Hudgell says he has already fielded plenty of interest in the job, but insists Chester is the favourite.

"I'm open-minded at the moment but I hope Chris earns a full-time deal," Hudgell said. "He's very well thought of in the game, he's served his time as Justin Morgan and Craig's assistant and he's in the box seat at the moment.

"We're not going out trawling for a new coach at this moment in time. We'll review our options probably with the hope and the expectation that Chris will earn a longer deal over the next few weeks.

"I was very pleased with yesterday's performance and it looked like the team played with a lot of confidence and without fear, really. It's obviously only one performance, but it's a performance that sets Chris off on the right tone."

Chester, who has been the number two at Hull KR since January 2009 when he called time on his 12-year playing career, makes no secret of his desire to remain in charge.

"Of course I want the job," said Chester, who represented both Hull sides as well as Halifax and Wigan, after yesterday's match. "I loved it.

"From day one, the club has made me feel very welcome and it's a great family club. I want the job full-time. But it's up to the powers that be at the end of the season."